Date

6-2016

Department

Communication Studies

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Chair

Stuart Schwartz

Keywords

Image Restoration Theory, Law Enforcement, Media, Public Image

Disciplines

Broadcast and Video Studies | Communication Technology and New Media | Critical and Cultural Studies | Journalism Studies | Mass Communication | Other Communication | Social Media

Abstract

The deaths of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, and Tamir Rice sparked an uproar in many communities across the United States. These incidents brought to light that there is an issue that remains prevalent between citizen and police officers. The New York Police Department, Ferguson Police Department, and the Cleveland Department of Police have all dealt with tension involving the communities they serve. Since these incidents changes have been made within each department. Some had the help of the Department of Justice to reform old polices. While law enforcement does what they believe it is necessary to protect the public, sometimes their actions are seen as unprofessional and unwarranted. To maintain the impression of the motto “protect and serve” to the media and the citizens they shield from harm, they attempt to restore their image when questionable events arise. This paper explains and examines comments made by these three police departments, and how they attempted to restore their image in the public.

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